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22 February 2025
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This might come as a shock to some, but there is a serious question whether a defined contribution (DC) system like ours is fit for purpose in retirement. That was the fundamental conclusion that motivated the Financial System Inquiry (FSI) recommendation for Comprehensive Income Products for Retirement (CIPRs).
Episode 3 focusses on the small cap rally, how to recognise good startups, Bitcoin, retirement spending, tourism, a new product misrepresenting its features and a Chris Cuffe classic from our archives.
We need different tools to measure success in the retirement phase, as many people become dependent on the cash flow from their super fund. The defined contribution system has failed to keep pace with retirees' needs.
Asia's GDP exceeds North America and Europe combined, and its increasing economic power should be embraced by Australia as we become more a Eurasian society. Are we enlightened enough to grab the opportunities?
Read in their simplest form, it's surprising what rights people give up when they sign into any of the social media sites, and this year's Boyer Lectures highlight where society and social media are headed.
The longer the holding period, the lesser the variation of actual returns from expected ones. Using this principle should allow construction of actively-managed portfolios that outperform passive portfolios.
The Australian banks are on firm ground with strong capital ratios, few bad loan problems and sustainable dividends, but lower demand for credit, tighter margins and the bank levy give no room for complacency.
The major global bond index currently offers a yield of only 1.6% at a time when a rising rate cycle may be starting. There are better risk-return opportunities elsewhere.
While encouraging people to draw down on their accumulated wealth in retirement might be good public policy, several million retirees disagree because they are purposefully conserving that capital. It’s time for a different approach.
This examines the performance of key asset classes and sub-sectors in 2024 and over longer timeframes, and the lessons that can be drawn for constructing an investment portfolio for the next decade.
The CIO of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, John Pearce, suggests the odds favour a flat year for markets, with the possibility of a correction of 10% or more. However, he’ll use any dip as a buying opportunity.
Getting regular, growing income from stocks is tougher with the dividend yield on the ASX nearing 25-year lows. Here are some conventional and not-so-conventional ideas for investors wanting to build a dividend portfolio.
Australians are used to hearing dire warnings that they don't have enough saved for a comfortable retirement. Yet most people need to save a lot less than you might think — as long as they meet an important condition.
It’s well documented that many retirees draw down the minimum amount required and die with much of their super balances untouched. This explores the reasons why and some potential solutions to address the issue.